List of Micronutrients and Scientific Publications on Anti-Aging, Longevity, Mitochondrial & Cellular Health
Discover the essential micronutrients used in our dietary supplements, each contributing to health, vitality, and longevity.
5-HTP — 5-hydroxytryptophan is a serotonin precursor used mainly for mood, appetite, and sleep support; longevity relevance is indirect, through sleep quality and neurochemical balance, not proven lifespan extension.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine — Supports mitochondrial fatty-acid transport and cellular energy metabolism; research often focuses on brain, nerve, and age-related mitochondrial function.
Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid — AKG is a Krebs-cycle intermediate involved in energy metabolism, amino-acid handling, collagen biology, and epigenetic enzymes; it is studied as a possible healthy-aging compound, but human longevity evidence is still early.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid — ALA functions as a mitochondrial cofactor and antioxidant/redox modulator; 2024 reviews highlight antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic applications.
Arginine Pyroglutamate — A form of arginine used to support nitric-oxide production, blood flow, exercise metabolism, and ammonia handling; longevity relevance is mostly indirect via vascular and metabolic support.
Astaxanthin — A carotenoid antioxidant that supports cellular defense against oxidative stress and inflammation; NIH-supported Interventions Testing Program research reported lifespan extension in male UM-HET3 mice, though human anti-aging evidence remains preliminary. Astaxanthin is a powerful carotenoid antioxidant studied for mitochondrial, oxidative-stress, inflammatory, and healthy-aging support. In a NIH/NIA Interventions Testing Program study, astaxanthin increased median lifespan by 12% in male UM-HET3 mice when started at 12 months of age; the effect was significant in males but not observed in females under the study conditions.
B12, Methyl cobalamin — Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation, nerve function, DNA synthesis, and methylation; adequate B12 is important for healthy aging, especially because deficiency risk rises with age.
B6, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate — Active vitamin B6 supports amino-acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, homocysteine metabolism, and immune function; excessive dosing can cause neuropathy, so dose control matters.
Cacao — Cacao provides flavanols, magnesium, theobromine, and polyphenols that may support vascular function, nitric-oxide signaling, and antioxidant defenses; choose unsweetened forms for metabolic health.
Catalase — Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen; supplement evidence is less established than its biological importance in cellular oxidative-stress defense.
Choline — Choline supports cell membranes, acetylcholine neurotransmission, liver fat metabolism, and methylation; it is essential, but both deficiency and excessive intake can be undesirable.
Citric Acid — Citric acid is a Krebs-cycle-related organic acid used mainly for flavor, acidity, mineral solubility, and urinary citrate support; it is not generally considered a primary longevity ingredient.
Copper Glycinate / Copper Gluconate — Copper supports antioxidant enzymes, connective tissue, iron metabolism, and mitochondrial function; excess copper can be harmful, so it should be balanced with zinc and total dietary intake.
D/L-Phenylalanine — Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid precursor to tyrosine and catecholamine neurotransmitters; it may support alertness and mood pathways, but should be avoided in phenylketonuria.
Folate / L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate — Folate supports DNA synthesis, methylation, red blood cell formation, and homocysteine metabolism; methylfolate is the active reduced form used in one-carbon metabolism.
Glucoraphanin / Sulforaphane Glucosinolate — Glucoraphanin is converted by myrosinase into sulforaphane, a strong Nrf2-pathway activator linked to antioxidant defense, detoxification enzymes, inflammation control, and metabolic health research.
Glutamine — Glutamine supports gut cells, immune cells, nitrogen transport, and recovery during metabolic stress; longevity relevance is indirect through gut and immune resilience.
Glycine — Glycine supports collagen, glutathione synthesis, sleep quality, methylation balance, and detoxification; GlyNAC research links glycine plus NAC to glutathione and mitochondrial-health outcomes in older adults.
HMB — Beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate is a leucine metabolite that supports muscle protein balance; recent reviews suggest benefits for muscle strength in sarcopenia or frailty, especially alongside resistance training.
L-Carnitine — L-carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production; it is commonly used for mitochondrial, exercise, and metabolic support.
L-Methionine — Methionine is an essential sulfur amino acid and precursor to SAMe, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione pathways; balance matters because excessive methionine may raise homocysteine unless B vitamins and methylation pathways are adequate.
L-Ornithine Aspartate — Supports ammonia detoxification through the urea cycle and is studied mainly for liver-related ammonia metabolism; longevity relevance is indirect through metabolic and hepatic support.
L-Tyrosine — Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and thyroid hormones; it may support stress resilience and cognitive performance under acute stress.
Magnesium Glycinate — Magnesium supports ATP metabolism, muscle and nerve function, glucose regulation, blood pressure, and bone health; glycinate is often used for tolerability.
Methylene Blue — Low-dose methylene blue is studied for mitochondrial electron transport, redox cycling, and neuroprotection, but human anti-aging evidence is limited, and safety concerns include drug interactions, especially with serotonergic medications. Methylene blue has been reviewed for its potential role in mitochondrial function, cellular redox balance, oxidative-stress modulation, neuroprotection, skin aging, and progeria-related cellular models. The MDPI Cells review describes methylene blue as a mitochondrial redox cycler that may help bypass impaired Complex I/III activity and reduce oxidative stress in certain experimental contexts.
Moringa — Moringa oleifera provides polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals; reviews describe antioxidant, metabolic, antimicrobial, and chronic-disease research potential, but human evidence is still developing.
Mustard Seed Powder / Myrosinase Source — Mustard seed provides myrosinase enzyme activity that helps convert glucoraphanin into sulforaphane, improving functional activation of broccoli-seed glucosinolates.
NAC, N-Acetyl Cysteine — NAC supplies cysteine for glutathione synthesis and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and detoxification roles; research supports effects on glutathione and redox balance.
NMN, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide — NMN is a NAD⁺ precursor studied for mitochondrial metabolism, DNA repair signaling, and age-related NAD⁺ decline; human evidence is promising but still not definitive for longevity outcomes.
Oleoylethanolamide, OEA — OEA is a lipid-signaling molecule involved in satiety, fat oxidation, and metabolic regulation; recent studies suggest possible benefits for weight, glycemic control, inflammation, and oxidative stress, with more long-term research needed.
Palmitoylethanolamide, PEA — PEA is an endogenous fatty-acid amide that acts partly through PPAR-α and is studied for pain, neuroinflammation, immune modulation, and inflammatory balance.
Pomegranate Powder — Pomegranate is rich in punicalagins, ellagic acid, and polyphenols associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vascular, and cardiometabolic support.
Quercetin — Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant studied for inflammation, vascular health, and senolytic combinations such as dasatinib plus quercetin; anti-aging use remains investigational.
Riboflavin-5-Phosphate — Active vitamin B2 supports flavin coenzymes FAD and FMN, which are central to mitochondrial energy metabolism, antioxidant enzyme systems, and nutrient metabolism.
SAMe — S-adenosylmethionine is the body’s major methyl donor, supporting methylation, neurotransmitter metabolism, liver pathways, and joint-health research; NCCIH notes study interest in depression, liver disease, and osteoarthritis.
SOD, Superoxide Dismutase — SOD is a primary antioxidant enzyme that converts superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide; it is central to endogenous antioxidant defense, though oral supplement effectiveness depends on formulation and bioavailability.
Soy Fiber — Soy fiber supports digestive regularity, satiety, glycemic response, and microbiome fermentation; longevity relevance is indirect through metabolic and gut-health support.
Spermidine — Spermidine is a polyamine linked to autophagy, cellular renewal, and fasting biology; 2024 research found spermidine is involved in fasting-mediated autophagy across model systems and humans.
Thiamin HCL, Vitamin B1 — Thiamin supports carbohydrate metabolism, nerve function, and mitochondrial energy production through thiamin pyrophosphate-dependent enzymes.
Trimethyl glycine, TMG / Betaine — TMG is a methyl donor that supports homocysteine re-methylation, liver methylation pathways, Osmo protection, and exercise/metabolic research.
Urolithin A — Urolithin A is a gut-microbiome-derived pomegranate metabolite that activates mitophagy and mitochondrial quality control; human trials suggest safety and benefits for muscle endurance and mitochondrial biomarkers in older adults.
Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid — Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, immune function, antioxidant recycling, wound healing, and iron absorption; NIH notes low toxicity overall but gastrointestinal effects and kidney-stone concerns at high intakes.
Zinc Glycinate — Zinc supports immune function, DNA synthesis, wound healing, antioxidant enzymes, reproductive health, and taste/smell; excess zinc can reduce copper status, so balance is important.
Scientific Publications on Anti-Aging, Longevity, Mitochondrial & Cellular Health
Astaxanthin Publications
Lifespan & Longevity Studies
- Harrison, D. E., et al. (2024).
“Astaxanthin and meclizine extend lifespan in UM-HET3 male mice.”
GeroScience, 46(1), 795–816.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-01011-0
— NIH Interventions Testing Program study reporting ~12% median lifespan extension in male mice. - Fassett, R. G., & Coombes, J. S. (2011).
“Astaxanthin: A potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease.”
Marine Drugs, 9(3), 447-465.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/md9030447
— Reviews antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effects relevant to aging. - Fakhri, S., et al. (2018).
“Astaxanthin: A mechanistic review on its biological activities and health benefits.”
Pharmacological Research, 136, 1-20.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2018.08.012
— Comprehensive review of anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging pathways. - Ambati, R. R., et al. (2014).
“Astaxanthin: Sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications.”
Marine Drugs, 12(1), 128-152.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/md12010128 - Galasso, C., et al. (2018).
“Seaweed-derived astaxanthin: Biological activities and health promoting effects.”
Marine Drugs, 16(6), 186.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/md16060186 - Sztretye, M., et al. (2019).
“Astaxanthin: A potential mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant treatment in diseases and with aging.”
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3849696 -
Astaxanthin papers
Harrison, D. E., Strong, R., Reifsnyder, P., Rosenthal, N., Korstanje, R., Fernandez, E., Flurkey, K., Ginsburg, B. C., Murrell, M. D., Javors, M. A., Lopez‐Cruzan, M., Nelson, J. F., Willcox, B. J., Allsopp, R., Watumull, D. M., Watumull, D. G., Cortopassi, G., Kirkland, J. L., Tchkonia, T., . . . Miller, R. A. (2024). Astaxanthin and meclizine extend lifespan in UM‐HET3 male mice; fisetin, SG1002 (hydrogen sulfide donor), dimethyl fumarate, mycophenolic acid, and 4‐phenylbutyrate do not significantly affect lifespan in either sex at the doses and schedules used. GeroScience, 46(1), 795–816. doi.org
Methylene Blue Publications
Mitochondrial Function, Neuroprotection & Anti-Aging
- Atamna, H., & Kumar, R. (2010).
“Protective role of methylene blue in Alzheimer’s disease via mitochondria and cytochrome c oxidase.”
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 20(S2), S439-S452.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-100414 - Wen, Y., et al. (2011).
“Methylene blue attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction and delays cellular senescence.”
Aging Cell, 10(4), 573-583.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-9726.2011.00699.x - Francisco, S. G., et al. (2021).
“Methylene blue and the mitochondria in aging and disease.”
Cells, 10(12), 3379.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10123379
— Major review article on mitochondrial bioenergetics and aging applications. - Oz, M., et al. (2011).
“Methylene blue and Alzheimer’s disease.”
Biochemical Pharmacology, 82(5), 556-563.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2011.06.010 - Rojas, J. C., et al. (2012).
“Low-dose methylene blue protects against oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function.”
Neurobiology of Aging, 33(9), 1939-1949.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.08.007 - Xiao, H., et al. (2017).
“Methylene blue counters aging phenotypes in skin cells and prolongs skin cell longevity.”
Scientific Reports, 7, 2475.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-02419-3 - Xue, H., Thaivalappil, A., & Cao, K. (2021).
“The potentials of methylene blue as an anti-aging drug. Cells, 10(12), 3379. doi.org”
Urolithin A Publications
Mitophagy, Mitochondrial Health & Longevity
- Ryu, D., et al. (2016).
“Urolithin A induces mitophagy and prolongs lifespan in C. elegans and increases muscle function in rodents.”
Nature Medicine, 22, 879-888.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.4132
— Landmark paper establishing Urolithin A as a mitophagy activator. - Andreux, P. A., et al. (2019).
“The mitophagy activator urolithin A is safe and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans.”
Nature Metabolism, 1, 595-603.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-019-0073-4 - Singh, A., et al. (2022).
“Urolithin A improves muscle strength and mitochondrial biomarkers in middle-aged adults.”
JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2144279.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.44279 - D’Amico, D., et al. (2021).
“Impact of the natural compound urolithin A on health, disease, and aging.”
Trends in Molecular Medicine, 27(7), 687-699.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2021.04.009 - Liu, S., et al. (2022).
“Urolithin A as a potential therapeutic agent for aging and age-related diseases.”
Aging Cell, 21(7), e13623.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.13623 - García-Villalba, R., et al. (2022).
“Urolithins: Diet-derived bioavailable metabolites for healthy aging.”
Pharmacological Research, 181, 106290.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106290